Japanese automobile maker Toyota is looking into ways to adopt SmartDeviceLink (SDL), the open-source version of Ford AppLink, for its utilization in a sector wide solution towards integrating smartphone application with vehicles.
Ford has developed SmartDeviceLink by linking AppLink software to the open-source community with a view to aiding the developer towards innovation for differentiated connectivity and navigation systems.
Ford Connected Vehicle and Services executive director Don Butler said: "Dashboard interface design and smartphone connectivity are key elements for product differentiation within the industry.
"At Ford, we view all aspects of time behind the wheel as core to the experience we provide customers. We're pleased other members of the industry feel the same way, and look forward to working together to drive even more support for the SDL developer community."
The AppLink makes way for programming interface which foster the connectivity of smartphone applications, such as, Spotify, Glympse, iHeartRadio and Pandora for access by drivers via voice recognition and dashboard controls.
In this way, the SDL software fits with in-vehicle controls having display screens, buttons and the voice recognition engine for integration.
The use of SDL by other carmakers and suppliers is expected to provide customers freedom of choice for connecting and controlling smartphones cutting across brands.
The SDL technology has been installed in more than five million Ford vehicles across North America, South America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region.
The company looks to foray into the markets in Taiwan, New Zealand and Thailand.
